Product of the week: the cargo pants

What is it:

Cargo pants are part of a whole range of utility-inspired fashion trends that are becoming more and more mainstream in fashion. Cargo pants are typically loose-fitting pants, often made from cotton or blended fabrics, and are characterized by patch pockets on the sides of the legs. In recent years, fashion brands have taken practical trousers with wide-legs, high-waisted silhouettes and alternative materials to break up the workwear look and make it more stylish. These innovations take the product beyond its origins, which are in the military arena, and make it a pant design that appeals to a wider range of stakeholders, from young to old and people of all genders.

Why you should order them:

Cargo pants fit with the current trend for roomier pants as people opt for more casual, comfortable styles to replace jeans. While the cargo pant has continued to pop up in fashion over the last few years, it has recently found a special place in the spotlight due to its ubiquitous presence on the Spring/Summer 23 season catwalks and its popularity with street style stars and influencers. Their natural evolution has resulted in the silhouette being fused with sportswear influences, making them even more comfortable and versatile. This makes the cargo pant even more practical, an item that people will actively seek out, especially in the warmer months.

Where we’ve already seen the trend:

In womenswear, fashion houses have explored the cargo pants in the form of loose silhouettes. Givenchy and Fendi offered variants of the cargo pants in silky fabrics, without neglecting the basic characteristics of the garment. Altuzarra also offered a flowy cut, albeit with slimmer elements that upgraded the look and brought it closer to elegant attire.

In menswear, on the other hand, cargo pants took on a more aggressive form, characterized by heavy use of pockets and embroidery, as seen in the Reese Cooper and Alyx 9SM collections. Simone Rocha also mixed up the style, adding buckle elements and chains that sharpened the silhouette and enhanced the design.

How to style them:

Cargo pants offer a range of different outfit options that give off different vibes depending on the style you want to wear. If you want to combine the garment in a relaxed way and give the look a feminine touch, offer it with an oversized sweater or a seductive crop top and simple sneakers to wear the look everyday. To style the garment cooler, pair it with oversized leather accessories, chunky boots, or tops and hoodies. Take it a step further by adding chains or belts with buckles.

Cargo pants are one of the dominant pants designs for the coming season and have become increasingly popular in recent years. The comfortable cut and the new fabric variants have allowed her to appeal to a wider audience and conquer her place in every wardrobe.

This article was previously similarly published on FashionUnited.uk.